ECA Update 4/28; NRC INTRODUCES MICROREACTOR REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, READ THE LATEST ECA BULLETIN, and more!

Published: Tue, 04/28/26

Updated: Tue, 04/28/26

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK

The ECA Forum concluded last week. Thank you to all who attended!
NRC introduces a microreactor regulatory framework - read more below.
Read the latest issue of the ECA Bulletin - read more below.
Mark your calendars for upcoming federal appropriations and budget hearings and markups - read more below.
NRC publishes final rules on Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors, and DOE publishes a request for information on Space Reactor Industrial Base Assessment - read more below
American Nuclear Society and Nuclear Energy Institute will host a webinar breaking down DOE-NE FY27 Budget Request to Congress!
- 📅 Date: April 30 🕞 Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm ET 🔗 Register Here!
National Cleanup Workshop registration is now open!
- 📅 Date: September 14-16 📍 Location: Arlington, VA 🔗 Don't miss out - Register Here!
Visit ECA on LinkedIn for regular updates.

NRC INTRODUCES MICROREACTOR REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has released a new licensing framework for microreactors and similar reactor designs that may provide a more suitable pathway for applicants with simpler technologies.

The proposed rule—known as Part 57—is the latest to come out of the NRC’s rules review and overhaul stemming from the ADVANCE Act and 2025 nuclear-related executive orders. It is also the latest framework developed for advanced reactor designs shifting away from light water reactor technology, such as the Part 53 rule finalized in March. Part 57 is intended for reactors that are 100 MWe or smaller, Nieh said. (By comparison, a small modular reactor is commonly understood to have a capacity of around 50 MWe–300 MWe, and the NRC has licensed numerous gigawatt-scale LWRs.)

“We are developing new licensing frameworks that are designed for safety, scale, and speed—Part 57 is one of those examples,” NRC Chairman Ho Nieh said on Friday.

In its proposal, the agency said the rulemaking would “establish a risk-informed and performance-based regulatory framework” for licensing small advanced reactors, as directed by Congress. The proposed rule could allow the agency to issue an operator license within six months to a year after accepting an application and save the agency and industry anywhere from $3.76 billion to $11.84 billion.

The proposed rule includes language to do the following:

Request approval of fleets of identical reactors.
Allow appropriate use of alternative design standards and programs for novel reactor operation.
Streamline environmental reviews of projects with limited environmental impacts.
Provide pathways for limited construction ahead of NRC permitting.

The proposed rule is tentatively scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on May 6, but the NRC intents to hold a public meeting on the proposed rule soon. Stay tuned for further information about attending the meeting.

Read the full article from Nuclear Newswire here.

BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS HEARING SCHEDULE

On Capitol Hill, FY 2027 appropriations hearings are in full swing as both House and Senate committees hear testimony regarding the President's Budget Request. Below is a list of upcoming hearings of interest:

On Wednesday, April 29 at 2:30pm ET, the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development will hear testimony on the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Nuclear Security Administration - click here to tune in to the hearing.
On Thursday, April 30 at 8:00am ET, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Legislative Branch will host a subcommittee markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill and Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Bill - click here to tune in to the markup.
On Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00am ET, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Legislative Branch will host a full committee markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill and Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Bill - click here to tune in to the markup.
On Friday, May 15 at 9:00am ET, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies will host a Subcommittee Markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill - click here to tune in to the markup.
On Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00am ET, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies will host a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill - click here to tune in to the markup.

REGULATORY ROUND UP

The Department of Energy will hold a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board Chairs to provide advice and recommendations concerning the following EM site-specific issues: clean-up activities and environmental restoration, waste and nuclear materials management and disposition, excess facilities, future land use and long-term stewardship. The meeting will take place April 29- 30 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasco-Tri-Cities, 4525 Convention Place, Pasco, Wash. The meeting can be accessed virtually by registering at this link.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a direct final rule on Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors. The NRC is amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System listing within the “List of approved spent fuel storage casks” to include Amendment No. 5 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1040. Amendment No. 5 revises the certificate of compliance to include two new versions of the HI-STORM UMAX design (Version B1 and B2). The direct final rule will become effective on June 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comments are received by May 4, 2026. Comments can be submitted online by following this link.

Read the entire direct final rule here.

The Department of Energy published a request for information on Space Reactor Industrial Base Assessment to identify gaps in the U.S. industrial base and recommend actions to close them. The request for information is open for public comment until May 5, 2026 at 11:59pm MDT. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].

Read the entire request for information here.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a final rule on Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors. The NRC is amending its regulations that govern the NRC’s environmental reviews of new nuclear reactor applications under the National Environmental Policy Act. The final rule will become effective on May 26, 2026.

Read the entire final rule here.

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE ECA BULLETIN

Last week at the ECA Forum, the latest issue of the ECA Bulletin was released in print, and now a digital copy can be accessed on the ECA website, and by clicking the button below. Reread important updates from ECA like:

South Carolina's nuclear energy growth
Resources for communities - ECA's Reprocessing Guide & Nuclear Handbook
How energy communities are open for business
Current FY 2027 federal budget and appropriations breakdown
Featured ECA webinars
...and more!

Read the ECA Bulletin Here!

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE NATIONAL CLEANUP WORKSHOP

Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the 12th annual National Cleanup Workshop from September 14th - 16th, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Hear from senior DOE leaders, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.

Click Here to Register!

Key Topics of Discussion Include:

EM’s new vision for utilizing legacy cleanup to advance American Energy dominance, innovation and affordability.
The opportunities for EM to contribute to, and benefit from, DOE’s Genesis Mission to more effectively utilize AI to tackle national challenges.
The intersection of legacy cleanup and advancing DOE’s modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
EM’s role in the new nuclear renaissance underway across America.
Industry leadership perspectives on DOE’s cleanup and energy missions.
The potential for local communities to capitalize on advances in new nuclear.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 15: Full-Day Programming, Evening Networking Reception

Wednesday, September 16: Full-Day Programming

Full agenda coming soon!

Click Here to Register!

CATCH UP ON RECENT HEADLINES:

Oklo, NVIDIA, and Los Alamos National Laboratory Collaborate to Advance Nuclear Fuel Validation at Los Alamos in Support of Nuclear-Powered AI Factories

On April 23, Oklo announced an agreement with NVIDIA, a leader in AI and accelerated computing, and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), to advance critical nuclear infrastructure, AI-enabled research, and nuclear fuel R&D at Los Alamos. The collaboration is intended to combine advanced nuclear power, AI, digital twins, modeling, and simulation to support critical infrastructure development and accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy.

Read the full article here.

Duke Energy's Robinson nuclear power plant in South Carolina cleared for an 80-year operating lifetime

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating licence for HB Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit 2 - a single-unit pressurised water reactor plant - for 20 years. This is the unit's second, or subsequent, licence renewal: it received a 20-year renewal of its original 40-year licence in 2004.

Read the full article here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

National Cleanup Workshop 2026

Arlington, VA | September 14-16

Learn More Here

CATCH UP ON PAST WEBINARS

Click the button below to visit ECA's YouTube Channel to rewatch past webinars, and find the recordings from our most recent webinars below!

Click Here to Visit ECA's YouTube Channel!

ECA Winter Series: How Collaboration Among Companies and Community Hosts Will Strengthen Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation

March 5, 2026

DOE’s recent Request for Information on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses signals federal interest in accelerating advanced fuel capabilities — potentially including HALEU production, fuel fabrication, recycling, testing infrastructure, and integrated research hubs. Today’s discussion focuses on the central question: How will collaboration among private companies and community leaders strengthen the delivery of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses? Join the discussion to explore different models and how public-private collaboration can strengthen proposals, reduce risk, and build durable local support.

Speakers will include:

John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of Ashford

Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, Oklo

Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep Isolation

Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA

View the full webinar recording here!

ECA Winter Series: Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel

February 12, 2026

The siting of new nuclear facilities requires integrated nuclear waste solutions that balance technical, regulatory, and social readiness. This goes beyond just regulatory compliance - it demands trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving among local governments, state agencies, developers, and residents. This webinar will explore how siting efforts can deliver on these environmental management goals while accelerating project timelines, developing local economies, and strengthening community confidence in long-term energy infrastructure decisions.

Speakers include:

Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECA

Matt Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy

Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECA

David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDEC

Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance

View the full webinar recording here!

ECA Winter Series: Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage

January 8, 2026

As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.
Speakers include:
Moderator - Jennifer Chandler - Council Member, Village of Piketon
Randall Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge
David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL
Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC
Dr. Jenifer Shafer- Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E

View the full webinar recording here!

ECA Winter Series: Advancing New Nuclear with Datacenter Development

December 8, 2025

As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals.

Speakers include:

Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA

Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS

Ilissa Miller - Editor-in-Chief, DataCenter Post

David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities

Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA

Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

View the full webinar recording here!

ECA Winter Series: Creating Emergency Response Planning for Nuclear Storage Projects

November 6, 2025

Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance

Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado

Lea Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health

Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Brian Scroggins - Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects

View the full webinar recording here!

PODCASTS ON NUCLEAR:

Gone Fission 3/9:

A well-known leader in cleanup of Department of Energy sites nationally is preparing to retire after more than four decades in the industry. Gone Fission podcast host Michael Butler sat down with Ken Rueter, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR) to review his decades of impressive accomplishments and discuss what’s next for this seasoned executive. From completing the first-ever teardown of a complete uranium enrichment complex to ushering in the nuclear renaissance on clean federal land, Ken’s story covers the history of the Manhattan Project and sets the stage for the nuclear technology of tomorrow.

Listen here!

DOE BUDGET TRACKER

Monitor DOE spending bills, detailed site budgets, and more. Find everything you need to know about the budget here!

BUDGET CHARTS

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